A Brooklands College student has made his dreams a reality by landing a job at the Royal Opera House. Professional cookery student Michael Smith, 17, landed a two-week work placement at the venue and impressed with his culinary skills and musical flair because he was subsequently offered a part-time job.

Industrial placement co-ordinator Dawn Knowles said: “I sat down with Michael and asked him what his dreams were. “When he explained that he would like to combine his passion for cookery with his grade eight level talent for singing and his love of music I knew straight away that a venue like the Royal Opera House would be an ideal placement for him.”